Water & Weight Loss

Water leading to weight loss is an often debated topic, but most experts agree that water is an essential part of a healthy diet and a contributing factor in weight loss.

Water aids the body in several ways, one of the most important is in the functioning of the liver. One of the livers main duties is to metabolize fat by converting it to energy, but it also aids the kidney function. So if the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to produce water for them, lowering it’s metabolic productivity rate, meaning less of your fat will get metabolized.

Water also acts as an appetite suppressant. Having a glass of water while you finish making better will fill you up without the added calories of a snack. It is important to avoid dehydration for your body function smoothly, but also if you are trying to keep you appetite at bay. Oftentimes people can mistake hunger for thirst and will turn to food instead when their body is really craving water.

Plus, the more water you drink, the less you will retain. If your body is dehydrated it will try to store all of the water that it has, resulting in what’s commonly known as water weight. It is typical for people to lose 2-5 lbs. of weight after increasing their water intake.

You’ve undoubtedly heard that you should be consuming eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day (about two quarts), but those trying to shed some seriously unwanted pounds should drink another eight glasses per every 25 pounds of excess weight they want to lose. The key is to avoid being thirsty, as thirst is a sign of dehydration.

Hydration also improves your muscles tone. Properly hydrated muscles contract easier, making your workout more effective and your results more noticeable. So now when you lose weight, you might actually be able to see it.